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Is the MP-4/19 Newey\'s first \"dog\"?

This being a Bimmer board we can gloat over how poor the "Mercedes" (really Ilmor) engine is doing, but the McLaren seems to have problems everywhere. You'd think a car with about 30 fewer hp would be easier to control, but Kimi and DC are fighting to keep it on the track.

According to Steve Machett, the current car has

too much body flex. see link.

<a href="http://www.formulaoneupdate.com/index.php?article=201">http://www.formulaoneupdate.com/index.php?article=201</a>91 325i "Cashmere"
69 tattered and hailstorm dented 1600/2002 "Reno"
Racing is life. Everything before or after is just waiting."

isn\'t that a totally wrong analysis?

if you went along with that wouldn't you have to believe that the Mercedes Engine block twists easier than the rear suspension attached to it?<p align=center>
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/booboo/.Pictures/axis.jpg"height=180 width=180">
<img src="http://www.vmsc.org/fun/images/topslalom.gif"WIDTH=180 HEIGHT=100>
<img src="http://www.corriere.it/Media/Foto/2003/08_Agosto/21/loghini/milan1.gif"ALIGN=CENTER>
</p>

Newey\'s first attemt at a \"twin keel\"

I think there might be something in what Machett says. Whether the Mercedes engine is at fault in and of itself is uncertain; it is conceivable that there is too much flex in the tub itself, forcing the engine to absorb more torsional stress than it was intended to absorb.

The McLaren is Newey's first twin-keel design and this design has some fairly obvious structural issues not seen with a single keel. the tradeoff is supposed to be better aerodynamics because the twin-keel allows more efficient use of the diffuser. It certainly is possible that in their attempt to compete with Ferrari, McLaren became too weight-conscious and made the chassis too light and flexible.

the twin keel also involves different front suspension geometry, with shorter control arms. maybe that is screwed up too, as Kimi and David sure don't look happy fighting that car around the course.

You really think Button will make it two consecuti

ve poles? I have a feeling the Williams/BMW is better suited for Barcelona than Imola.91 325i "Cashmere"
69 tattered and hailstorm dented 1600/2002 "Reno"
Racing is life. Everything before or after is just waiting."

Re: You really think Button will make it two consecuti

All factors indicating BAR is the #1 number 2 team right now..

a. Aero- Strong aero developments from Geoff Willis, the adaptation of Ferrari wings and innovation on the rear torso integrated wing, are putting Williams at least a few steps back. We have to wait and see if FW26ís aero upgrade slated for Spanish GP will include those 2 important pieces. BAR 1 up.
b. Engine- At this point I believe the 2 engines are a draw. P86 might have more revs, but the Honda engine is just as powerful. Both are upgrading, too close to call. Even.
c. Tires- Letís skip tires, since its from same source. And unlike Ferraristone, Michelin isnít favoring a particular team. Even.
d. Drivers- ahhhh Ö.the fun factor, given all 4 drivers from the 2 teams had extensive tests at Circuit de Catalunya. Should give them a clear advantage over MS. Between JB and JPM, I pick JB at this point.

Renault might be in the mix, but AF is saying R24 lacks qualifying pace. We just might see a surprise top 6 from Kimi, heís way overdue.